Frequently Asked Questions About Cataract Surgery
How does cataract occur?
Cataract is a condition in which a discoloration or clouding of natural lens occurs. Cataract is an age related condition and it is common among older people. Cataract will not spread from one eye to another. When reaching 80 years of age, most of the Americans are suffering from cataract or they may have already done a cataract surgery.
What are the causes of cataract?
Even though the major cause of cataract is aging of the eye, there are many other causes for this condition. Certain diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes may increase the probabilities of developing cataract. Continuous use of corticosteroids and eye injuries are also the causes of developing cataract.
What are the different kinds of cataracts?
The three common cataracts are nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts and posterior sub capsular cataracts.
How can the cataract be treated?
Cataract can be treated by using anti-glare sunglasses, magnifying lenses and eye glasses. If all the above mentioned measures prove not to matrially improve the vision of the patient, our doctor will most probably recommend you to do a cataract surgery. During a surgery the natural lens of the eye is being replaced by an artificial lens. In majority of the surgeries, intraocular lens is used. These lenses are made up of acrylic, plastic or silicone.
Am I a right candidate for cataract surgery?
Cataract should be removed from your eye when the loss of vision obstructs everyday life activities like reading, watching TV or driving. Dr. Boothe will tell you whether you are the right person for this type of cataract surgery by analyzing several factors including age, health and chronic diseases.
Is it necessary to have a ripe cataract to do a surgery?
No. This is a myth, but cataract should be significant visually before performing cataract surgery. If you have a ripe cataract, a situation in which the entire lens is covered and cloudy, then it is harder to remove the cataract.
Is the cataract surgery painful?
No, it is not painful at all. Dr. Boothe will use local anesthesia before doing the surgery. You may feel some discomfort in the eye. If you have any discomfort, inform BOothe Eyecare & Laser Center so that he can take the necessary steps.
What is the time taken to finish the surgery?
The procedure will take only about half an hour, but a preparation as well as the recovery period for the surgery will take 2-4 hours.
How is it performed?
During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with a multifocal IOL using laser technology. After replacing the cloudy lens with multifocal IOL, patients do not require contact lenses or spectacles for a clear vision.
What are the risks involved in cataract surgery?
Rare occurrences of complications can happen in a very small amount of patients of cataract surgery. Some of the complications include bleeding inside the eyes, infection, glaucoma, retinal swelling, corneal swelling and dropped lens. Again - all of the above mentioned risks are very rare.
What are the different kinds of cataract surgery?
The two different kinds of cataract surgery are Phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. Boothe Eyecare will explain these surgeries in detail and he will tell you which one is best suited for you.
What about the effectiveness of the cataract surgery?
According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, about 98% of the patients experience positive results. Risks of cataract surgery are very small for those who undergo phacoemulsification surgery or extracapsular surgery. Feedbacks & patient reviews say that they are experiencing improved vision with lesser complications.
What is the recovery time for a cataract surgery?
The recovery time for the cataract surgery in most cases is six weeks. Patients may experience some pain or discomfort after the surgery, but it will disappear after a day or two. Patients also have increased sensitivity to the light and there will be some fluid discharge after the surgical procedure. Dr. Boothe will prescribe eye drops and pills to prevent pain as well as pressure regulation in the eye. Pain killer should be taken for the first few days after the surgery, if necessary. Dr. William Boothe also asks patients to come a few times for follow-up to evaluate the healing progress of the patients.
What is the advantage of using a multifocal intraocular lens?
Multifocal IOLs allow the patient to obtain vision from various distances which is not possible in ordinary IOLs.
How fast does the cataract surgery improve the vision?
Within few days to one week after the surgery, you will get good distance vision. Near vision may require longer duration because the eye needs more time to adapt to multifocal IOL. The results of vision vary from one individual to another, but most patients get excellent distance vision as well as near vision and good amount of middle vision as well. Some patients might require spectacles or contact lenses in extreme conditions. Some patients receive better vision than that of the others. Most of the patients achieve better vision after replacing the lens.
Does IOL cause night driving problems, light sensitivity and glare?
Both advanced and convention lens implants cause glare, light sensitivity and night driving problems. However, these night driving problems will be much less noticeable than before the implant. These glares are due to the time it takes the eyes and the brain to adjust to the new conditions. Light sensitivity is temporary and will go away as advanced IOL technology provides the patient a crystal-clear vision. All lenses will produce glare as the pupil is becoming wider to allow the light to reflect. Boothe .
How fast can I resume my day-to-day activities?
Majority of the patients will resume their activities within a few days with some adjustments and limitations. Dr. William Boothe will give the patients some medications to control inflammation and prevent infection. It is recommended to use a protective covering while sleeping and sunglasses in the daytime. Patients should avoid straining their eyes or else prevent the pressure inside the eyes from increasing. Avoid pushing or rubbing of the eye and situations that may cause pressure on your eyes.